Inverse relationship between Ki67 and survival in early luminal breast cancer: confirmation in a multivariate analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Ki67 is a prognostic marker in early breast cancer, but its real usefulness remains controversial. The standard cut-off values for Ki67 have not been universally accepted and different values may be used depending on the type of biopsy (fine needle biopsy versus surgical specimen biopsy). The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of Ki67 and to determine the most accurate prognostic cut-off.

Materials and methods

495 tissue samples from patients with luminal tumours who underwent breast surgery between 2005 and 2011 were collected from the Department of Pathology at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona. Patients with stage IV, HER2-positive tumours or triple-negative breast carcinoma were excluded from the study. Pathology data including tumour grading and ki67 percentage were obtained retrospectively from clinical records. In all cases, the percentage of ki67 was evaluated in fine needle biopsies.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, Ki67 as a continuous variable was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (OS p = 0.0001, HR 1.037, CI 1.014–1.059; CSS p = 0.0001, HR 1.063, CI 1.031–1.096) (Cox regression model). CSS was poor when associated with a KI67 cut-off point >14% (p = 0.013, HR 14.85; CI 1.074–120.53) (Cox regression model). Disease-free survival (DFS) was not associated with Ki67

Conclusions

Prognosis of luminal breast carcinoma can be predicted using Ki67 as a continuous variable and a standard cut-off value of 14%. Information about the specimen type used to determine ki67 should be recorded in the pathological report.

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